A unified standard for Ethernet networks developed four decades ago still serves as the foundation of today’s incredible connectivity.  In 1973, engineer Bob Metcalfe proposed a simple but revolutionary method to connect computers in local area networks (LANs) using coaxial cable and a modular connector. Ethernet was born. But that was just the beginning. At first, systems designers were on their own and a wide variety of configurations proliferated across theRead More

To handle compute-intensive applications and edge-computing systems, a revised Computer on Module (COM) standard is required. At electronica 2018, Samtec and congatec introduced the concept of a new Computer on Module (COM) standard. Initially called COM-HD, it has been developed by PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group (PICMG) and re-named COM-HPC to reflect the high-computing performanceRead More

As the electronics industry continues to take steps towards global harmonization, the US and Canada will adopt the IEC 60320 standard for device plugs with minor deviations. This has significant implications for home healthcare products, portable medical technologies, household appliances, and consumer electronics. By SCHURTER Inc. Global standards make it easy for both component andRead More

The new SPE connector standard will provide a comprehensive communication protocol, a shared networking infrastructure, and produce power for sensor technologies. The T-1 industrial interface developed by HARTING is set to become the new single-pair Ethernet (SPE) connector standard. A united consortium of seven companies has approved the standard based on HARTING’s original design andRead More

DC power supplies enable leaner, more powerful data center system architectures that — through skillful planning — can also mitigate total system cost. But first, we must make a paradigm shift. DC data centers Vast amounts of unused electricity simply disappear in data centers, lost to tedious, continuous, and ultimately unnecessary conversion and transformation processes. ButRead More

ANSI has ratified updates to an embedded computing standard that has important ramifications for military electronics. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) recently ratified the VITA 46.0 (commonly known as VPX) baseline standard for critical embedded computing. VITA 46, or VPX, provides Versa Module Europa bus (VMEbus) based systems with support for switched fabric network topologies over a newRead More

5G has yet to fully arrive, but low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) activity is already influencing design trends in a wide range of connected products. The number and variety of wireless devices in use across every aspect of society is increasing exponentially, creating new worlds of opportunity for electromechanical component suppliers, not only inside the cellularRead More

The latest DisplayPort connector standard will deliver the higher performance needed for immersive gaming, content streaming, and digital displays, as well as higher resolution and high dynamic range capability. Home cinephiles, video gamers, event projectionists, and designers of videowalls and multiple chained-screen PC displays have reason to rejoice: The long-anticipated update to the DisplayPort audio/videoRead More

The Open19 Foundation has developed a server design solution that makes data center deployment faster, easier, and less expensive. The Open19 Foundation is advancing a new data center design standard that significantly reduces the hardware costs and time required to set up or upgrade a server. This simplified hardware platform consists of three main elements:Read More

Special mil-spec marking, DNA tagging, and other advanced authentication technologies are helping to root out counterfeit connectors and cable. Are 40% of mil-spec connectors counterfeit? We’ve heard the statistic and it’s alarming — but not necessarily true. “The 40% is an average and varies wildly — from 15% to 85%,” based upon survey and programRead More

Mil/Aero specifications strictly govern the design and development of aeronautical and defense electronics down to component-level materials and processes. In many cases, military and aerospace standards are very similar. But connector requirements for military and space flight applications do have some notable differences. Picture yourself in the following situations: mil/aero specifications Your F-16 is loadedRead More

Check your connectors: A group of phthalates will be restricted by European Union nations starting in July. This directive will impact a variety of plastic electronic products. The environmental compliance directive known as the EU Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) is expanding. In 2019, four new substances are being added to the list of materialsRead More